On June 12th, the U.S. House of Representatives Voted to Rescind Essential Funding

Kate Riley, President and CEO of America’s Public Television Stations, made the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives vote to approve a rescissions package defunding public media funding:

“America’s Public Television Stations are deeply disappointed that the House voted to completely defund the local public television stations throughout this country that provide exceptional lifesaving public safety services, proven educational services and community connections to their communities every day for free. The vast majority of these devastating cuts will be borne by local public media stations and the communities that rely on them -- many of which have no other access to locally controlled media.

For WCTE PBS, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Forty percent of our annual budget comes from federal funds. If this budget passes in the Senate, it will mark the most serious threat to WCTE PBS in decades.

This fight is about more than dollars. It’s about keeping WCTE PBS and other small stations on the air — especially in rural communities where public media is a lifeline.
It’s about protecting trusted local storytelling, lifesaving emergency alerts, educational resources that help children thrive, and the community services we all depend on.

WCTE PBS belongs to all of us. Let’s stand together to protect it.
Because when local voices are silenced, communities lose much more than just a signal.

Here’s how you can help right now:

Rally your network — Talk to your friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors. Make sure they know what’s at stake.

 Raise your voice — When the budget proposal moves forward, we’ll need an immediate, united response. Be ready to call, email, and write your Senators. Your voice matters.

Stay connected — Join the movement to stop these cuts. Together, we can make sure public media stays strong.

Your Voice Matters for Public Media in Central Tennessee

WCTE Central TN PBS isn’t just another station – it’s a vital connection for our community. From Cookeville to the Upper Cumberland, we provide life-saving information, educational resources for children, and programming that celebrates local stories, culture, and creativity. But right now, public media is at risk.

Latest Statement from America's Public Television Stations 6/12/25

5 Calls - Script for Elected Officials

Federal funding is critical. An annual investment of just $1.60 per person supports the local services of public media stations like WCTE. This funding allows us to serve even the most rural and underserved areas of our region.